The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State held a stakeholders’ meeting at the state party secretariat in Ajilosun, Ado-Ekiti. The meeting was attended by prominent party leaders from the 16 local government areas of the state.
Among those present were the Caretaker Committee (CTC) State Chairman, Chief Dare Adeleke, and his committee members. Also in attendance were Senator Duro Faseyi, Rt. Hon. Tunji Odeyemi, Rt. Hon. Kola Oluwawole, former zonal chairman Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe, PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) member Hon. Ojo Oke, and Prof. Adesegun Ojo, a former governorship aspirant in 2007. Others included the former Ado-Ekiti local government executive chairman and former PDP deputy governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Hon. Deji Ogunsakin.
The meeting was also graced by Hon. (Mrs.) Funmilayo Oguns, a former commissioner for works in Ekiti State, immediate past state secretary of the party, and a governorship aspirant popularly known as “OFT.” Another prominent governorship aspirant, Dr. Wole Oluyede, was in attendance, as well as Emmanuel Fayose, younger brother of former Governor Ayo Fayose and a governorship aspirant. Also present was Barr. Sunday Olowolafe, a former legal adviser and party chairmanship aspirant, alongside other notable party leaders.
Meeting Agenda and Resolutions
Hon. Deji Ogunsakin, who moderated the meeting, explained that it was convened to dispel doubts and misinformation regarding the affairs of the party at the national and state levels, particularly concerning the party congress. He also emphasized the need for security at the party secretariat, citing attempts by hoodlums to disrupt the gathering.
In his opening remarks, Chief Dare Adeleke expressed gratitude to party members for their loyalty and steadfastness. He strongly condemned the actions of some leaders who, according to him, support PDP during the day but align with the APC at night. He reaffirmed that despite challenges, the party remains strong at both the national and state levels. Adeleke reiterated PDP’s commitment to a consensus arrangement for the Ekiti State congress, stating that the list of executives for the 177 wards and local governments had already been submitted. He clarified that the forthcoming congress would serve to ratify these lists.
Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe, in his address, criticized the performance of the current caretaker committees at the local government and ward levels, stating that they were not doing enough for the party. He reminded stakeholders that the tenure of the local government CTCs had long expired and suggested that they either be renewed or replaced. Pastor Oluwawole, in his remarks, urged Chief Dare Adeleke to appoint a new set of committed party members who would work for the party in all conditions.
After extensive deliberations, the meeting resolved to appoint a fresh set of leaders to take over from the outgoing caretaker committees.
Senator Duro Faseyi emphasized the importance of party unity, noting that many leaders had used the PDP platform to rise to prominence, and others should be given the same opportunity. He condemned those frustrating the party’s peaceful coexistence, leading all attendees to echo “Amen” to his prayers. He also pointed out that the caretaker committees at the local government level were not constitutional but were formed based on a gentleman’s agreement. Since their tenure had expired, he argued, they should step down to allow new leaders to emerge.
In conclusion, Chief Dare Adeleke assured the stakeholders that the new local government caretaker committees would be constituted in full consultation with local leaders.
The meeting ended with the singing of the PDP anthem.
Wole Akindele (D.O)
Reporting
